Demolition crews have been given the go-ahead to tear down the old E Block at the former Turner Brother's site off Rooley Moor Road.

Part of what was once the world's largest asbestos factory could be demolished within weeks.

Demolition crews have been given the go-ahead to tear down the old E Block at the former Turner Brother's site off Rooley Moor Road.

The building, which was known as the 'doubling shed' and used to twist asbestos fibres together in the plant's heyday, was severely damaged by fire in February.

Rochdale council has now given a demolition firm acting on behalf of the factory's off-shore owners permission to knock the building down.

It comes after a series of fires and break-ins at the site in recent months. Campaigners have welcomed the move, but warned it has to be done carefully to prevent potentially deadly asbestos fibres being released into the atmosphere.

Jason Addy, co-ordinator of the Save Spodden Valley campaign, said he remained unconvinced those in charge of monitoring the demolition appreciate how much asbestos could be hidden inside.

He said: “We have cautiously welcomed a careful demolition of part of the TBA site, but there is understandable concern about the lack of official communication on the technical issues.

“The documents seen related to asbestos containing materials within the buildings, but there is no specific mention of the risk of accumulated asbestos fibre release resulting from decades of dusty production.

“This fine dust could be released from wall and roof voids during demolition.

“I'm sorry to say that this is an issue that Rochdale council has failed to address.”

He added the council needed to monitor the air around the site before, during and after demolition.

MP Simon Danczuk said residents need to be kept informed throughout the demolition.

He added: “My office is in regular contact with council officers, campaigners, experts and local people to make sure any activity on site is carefully scrutinised and that community safety is paramount.

“Council officers have confirmed that due to the unique circumstances of the TBA site they will be supervising the demolition and have added additional safety requirements for the work to be carried out.

“From a safety perspective I would like to see this carried out in an open and transparent way.

“The local community needs to be kept informed every step of the way.”

William Hobhouse, chair of the TBA working party, said: “Demolition of this building could release millions of tiny asbestos fibres into the air, which would be a serious health risk to local people. We have to be completely open about the risks and the analysis of risk.

“I would ask the council to hold any decisions on the site until after the working party has met on September 10 to review and analyse the information and risks.”

A council spokesperson said: “We have issued a section 81 demolition notice which includes strict conditions surrounding the removal of asbestos which are currently being complied with.”

Our newspapers include the flagship Manchester Evening News - Britain's largest circulating
regional daily with up to 130,485 copies - as well as 20 local weekly titles across Greater
Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire.

Free morning newspaper, The Metro, published every weekday, is also part of our portfolio,
delivering more than 200,000 readers in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Business Week is the region’s number one provider of business news andfeatures, targeting a bespoke business audience with 12,687 copies every Thursday.

Every month, M.E.N. Media’s print products reach 2.2 million adults, spanning from Accrington
in the north to Macclesfield in the south.